Joyfully Weary

I don't know how I've gotten so lucky, but I have been blessed with amazing friends. New and old,  I have friends who have become family. I tend to hold my cards pretty close, and I'd prefer to keep the ugly parts of me hidden. When someone really gets to know you, though, and decides to love and accept you despite your awkwardness and the ugly struggles of your heart - it is such a blessing!  This past week our family was able to go on a mini vacation with some of our dearest friends. We rented a villa together at Kalahari resorts in Wisconsin . This group is really special; not only do I adore all of the moms, but their kiddos are some of my kids' best friends. We had a lot of fun exploring the water park. We also had plenty of good talks and lot of laughs.  All the kids spent a lot of time on this obstacle course. I soon as a saw it I knew it would be right up Mini Man's alley.  BabyZ is a water park enthusiast! He loved al...

Over Memorial Day weekend Jeremy's aunts were kind enough to host a mini family reunion at their home on Lake Egypt.  All three of Jeremy's sisters were able to come. Which was a blessing; it had been a couple years since we'd all been together.  I feel fortunate to have in-laws who also value family, and who cover my kiddos with affection and love. As a result, my kiddos eat up any chance they get to spend with them. Times like these are one of the highlights of their year. There was lots of laughter, and we left feeling relaxed and refreshed. One of Jeremy's sisters has kids close to our kids' age and it's so sweet to see them together. There is something special and magical about cousin love. Our daughters are less than a year apart and it looks like they aren't ever going to get any sisters; so it's nice they can kind of fill that role for each other.  The house has everything you could possibly need for having a good time at a lake....